Research Associates (m/f/d) in the field of photonics and optomechanical systems for quantum technologies and precision sensing

With more than 15,000 students and 3,800 employees, the Technische Universität Braunschweig is one of Germany’s leading institutes of technology. It stands for strategic and performance-oriented thinking and acting, relevant research, committed teaching, and the successful transfer of knowledge and technologies to the economy and society. We consistently advocate for family friendliness and equal opportunities.

Our research focuses are mobility, engineering for health, metrology, and city of the future. Strong engineering and natural sciences are our core disciplines. These are closely interconnected with economics, social and educational sciences and humanities.

Our campus is located in the midst of one of the most research-intensive regions in Europe. We work successfully together with over 20 research institutions in our neighborhood as we do with our international partner universities.

Starting from 15.02.2027, the Optical Quantum Metrology group at the Institute of Semiconductor Technology is looking for up to five                 

Research Associates (m/f/d) in the field of photonics and optomechanical systems for quantum technologies and precision sensing (EG 13 TV-L, full-time or part-time depending on the position)

The positions are to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years. The successful applicants will be given the opportunity to pursue a doctorate or, in the case of a postdoctoral researcher, further scientific qualification.

The group is based in the Institute of Semiconductor Technology (IHT), specialized in nitride processing with dedicated own clean-rooms (Nitride Technology Center and Epitaxy Competence Center). It is part of the Laboratory for Emerging Nanometrology (LENA) research center, which offers state-of-the-art facilities in micro-nano characterization. We are also members of the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers and the Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS). The division “Optical Quantum Metrology” develops novel photonic and optomechanical systems in quantum technologies and precision sensing, such as next-generation gravitational wave detection.

The positions cover the following topics:

1. Optomechanical oscillators for laser power stabilization in gravitational wave detection
2. Mechanical and optical spectroscopy of functional materials for gravitational wave detection and precision sensing
3. Integrated photonics for experiments with trapped atoms
4. Integrated photonics for biosensing

Your tasks

• You will carry out research on one of the topics listed above.
• You will work on research projects and contribute to grant proposals.
• You will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at national and international conferences.
• You will be involved in teaching at the university (preparation and delivery of courses, supervision of student projects and theses).  

Your Qualifications

• You hold a Master’s degree (or, for a postdoctoral position, a PhD) in physics, photonics, nanotechnology, electrical engineering or a related field.
• You have a very good command of English.
• You have experience in photonic design and simulation, or the willingness to acquire it.
• You have skills and/or willingness to learn setting up new optical experiments and in advancing existing setups.
• You have experience in setting up new optical experiments and improving existing ones, or the willingness to acquire it.
• You are able to analyze and interpret experimental data and to document and communicate your results clearly.
• You are interested in interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in materials science, optics, and quantum technologies.
• You bring curiosity, initiative and enthusiasm for advancing quantum technologies and precision metrology.

We offer

• Exciting, future-oriented research topics in an inspiring work environment as part of the university community
• A vibrant campus life in an international atmosphere with a wide range of intercultural activities and international collaborations
• Pay in accordance with the collective agreement TV-L (a special payment at the end of the year as well as a supplementary benefit in the form of a company pension, comparable to a company pension in the private sector) including 30 days' vacation per year
• Flexible working and part-time options and a family-friendly university culture, certified as a “family-friendly university” since 2007
• Special continuing education programs for young scientists, a postdoc program, as well as other offerings from the Central Personnel Development Department and sports activities
• Financial support to carry out research stays abroad.

Further notes
We welcome applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Please attach a proof of disability to your application. We are also working on the fulfilment of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz—NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.

Your personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations at https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-bewerbungen.

Application costs cannot be reimbursed.

Questions and Answers
For more information, please call Prof. Stefanie Kroker on +49 (0) 531 391-65350.

Please state in your cover letter which of the four topics you are applying for (several may be named in order of preference). Your application should include a cover letter, a CV, copies of your degree certificates and transcripts and, if available, the contact details of two referees.

Deadline for applications is 22nd of November.

Are you interested? Please send your application preferably via email to s.kroker(at)tu-braunschweig.de 

or via mail to

Technische Universität Braunschweig
Institut für Halbleitertechnik
Hans-Sommer-Str. 66
38106 Braunschweig

from: 03.11.2026
valid until: 22.11.2026